Damian John Budzinski

Damian John Budzinski, age 56, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2026 surrounded by the love of his family and the care of Mayo Clinic in Eau Claire after persevering through a long battle with cancer which he faced with dignity and courage.

Born on August 16, 1969, in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, to Henry and Linda (Hemersbach) Budzinski, Damian moved with his family to Eau Claire at a young age. He attended New Hope Christian School, South Middle School, and Memorial High School. Throughout his childhood, he cherished his time outdoors fishing and hunting with his father and brother. He also enjoyed competing on the wrestling team and the downhill ski club. He went on to earn his associates degree in nursing from the Chippewa Valley Technical College in 1998. He was a lifelong member of Pentecostal Assembly Church where he began his journey of faith that was the bedrock of his life.

Damian met his wife, Jennifer Winter, through their church community. They were married on April 14, 1990, and together raised two children, Alec (Allison) and Ella (Palli), and later welcomed three beloved grandchildren, Isabel, Brynja Sóley, and Franklin. Of all of his many passions and accomplishments, he was most proud of his children and grandchildren. Although his time with them was so much shorter than he had hoped, he made every moment with them count.

For nearly 30 years, Damian served as an intensive care unit nurse at Mayo Clinic Health System (formerly Luther Hospital) in Eau Claire. He cared for patients and families during some of life's most difficult moments with compassion, humility, and strength. His colleagues knew him as a trusted leader, steady presence, and dedicated advocate for those in his care. He was also known to provide comic relief, which brought levity to an intense environment.

Outside of work, Damian found enjoyment and purpose in the outdoors. He was an avid fly fisherman, bird hunter, rock climber, devoted cyclist, accomplished telemark skier, and proud participant in the American Birkebeiner. Whatever challenge or pursuit captured his interest, Damian approached it with discipline, determination, and enthusiasm, but what he valued most were the friendships and communities that grew from those shared adventures.

Above all else, Damian will be remembered for his kindness, quiet strength, grit, unwavering faith, and immense love for his family. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the patients he comforted, the friendships he nurtured, and the family he loved so deeply.

Damian was preceded in death by his sister, Melissa Ullom (Lee), brother-in-law, Doug Norlander (Laura) and his grandparents.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Jennifer; his children, Alec (Allison) and Ella (Palli); his grandchildren, Isabel, Brynja Sóley, and Franklin; his parents, Henry and Linda Budzinski; his brother, Christian (Kristen) Budzinski; his parents-in-law, Phillip and Karen Winter; his sisters-in-law, Laura Norlander and Anne (Matthew) Jarmin; his brother-in-law, Bart Winter; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He also survived by many extended family members, dear friends, colleagues, and loved ones whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

As his family grieves this tremendous loss, they find comfort in knowing that Damian's earthly journey has ended and that he now rests in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ he faithfully trusted throughout his life.

A visitation for Damian will be on Thursday, July 2nd from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at Florian Gardens, 2340 Lorch Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54701. A Celebration of Life Service will follow from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
The family welcomes flowers and memorial donations in Damian's honor. Those wishing to make a memorial gift may consider supporting the organizations of Reel Recovery, Wisconsin Trout Unlimited, and Feed My People.

Hulke Family Funeral Home is serving the family.

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